Part One

Inky

Well, I decided it was time to add to my art collection- on my back. I've been wanting a new tattoo for some time now, but I just wasn't sure what would best compliment what I already have, so I took some time to do research- not only on the piece itself, but also the artist. Since Ashley's last tattoo turned out so great, I asked her to check with Seth at Read St. Tattoo for a recommendation. He suggested I contact Troy Denning, of Invisible NYC. So I did. I had a brief meeting with Troy himself (who I understand is booked through September), and he referred me to one of the other artists in the shop, who specializes in text. So I met with Andre (my tattooer), and my vision took shape. (That sounded really stupid, didn't it? Anyway...)
He drew up a sketch for me, but mostly freehanded a lot of it. It's pretty impressive- and pretty badass. If you've never been tattooed, the way it works is: the sketch is drawn on tracing paper, the area (on your body) is prepped, the tracing paper is "stamped" into place, and you're ready for business. Yes, it hurts. Some spots are more tender than others. Sometimes it feels like a twig scratcing your skin- other times, it feels like a talon peeling away layers of skin. But generally, women are better getting tattooed because we have a higher threshold for pain. In fact, Andre asked me if I wanted to take a break, and I said, "I'm good if you're good!" Score.
So, pictures will follow- I have 2 sessions left before it is complete. This will probably be it for me and tattoos...unless, of course, I decide to start a punk band.

James Blunt is

the Richard Marx of the 21st century.

When Irish Eyes are Smilin'

After a night of drinking my face off and three hours of sleep, I was a site for sore eyes at this morning's hair appointment. My original plan was to go to bed around 11, get a good 9 hours of sleep, and plan my day out after getting a fabulous hair cut. Well that was shot to hell after Sean kept ordering beers, and I figured what the hell. It was a nice night outside, albeit humid, and I was having fun.
Cut to 8:30 this AM, when my alarm started blaring in my ear. I rolled outta bed with make up down my face, and quickly grabbed the cleanest thing on the floor so I wouldn't be late for my fancy salon appointment. After getting lost in SoHo (it's like the Bermuda triangle down there), I found the salon and was right on time. Now, I know I mentioned in a previous post that finding the right hair stylist for we curly heads is essential. I did my homework, read various reviews, and settled on Arte. The salon itself is very modern, but also warm. I changed into a smock, sat down with my water and lemon, and waited to meet my stylist. She talked with me about my hair for a good 15 minutes, before I got a scalp massage as part of the shampoo. She was very knowledgable, took her time, and gave me some good anti-frizz tips.
It was definately the most expensive hair cut I've ever had (still pretty cheap for a good NY salon, at $85), but I'm learning that quality really is better than quantity. The same goes for boys.

Geekin' Out

Last night, I attended the ASCAP awards ceremony, where one George Lam was being honored. George received an Honorable Mention for a piece of his, and invited me as his guest for the program and reception. It was held at the Walter Reade Theater, at Lincoln Center, and was full of geniuses. Child prodigies were a-plenty, as the kid who won the "best composer ever" award (as George put it), is all of 14 years old. As for the other Mozarts, most of their hobbies included math and computer science. MATH AS A HOBBY? Wow. I don't think I've ever been in the same room with 20 composers, let alone 200. Peter Schickele was the MC, Philip Glass spoke, and there was an awesome performance by Matt Haimovitz, a bad-ass cellist.
After the ceremony, there was an open-bar, fully catered reception at the penthouse at Lincoln Center. I felt a bit out of place, not being a composer myself, but I was so happy for George and all of his rubbing elbows time. As I stepped out onto the balcony, overlooking Manhattan, I was taken back by the beauty of this city. Not to sound cheesy, but there- 50 stories up, looking at this gigantic metropolis, I realized how awesome it is that I'm here, doing well, persuing my dream. Of course, being surrounded by some of America's foremost 21st century composers certainly helped that realization. Maybe the next time I'm in the penthouse will be at my very own Live! From Lincoln Center broadcast.

Shut the eff up

So great.

Lame Post

Hey yinz.

Sorry it's been a few days- I've actually been busy at work, and busy at home. I'll save some time and direct you to Robert's blog, when he writes his next post.

Anyway, exciting things would include:
A) I saw Carson Kressley of "Queer Eye" on the street a few days ago. I also passed "A Salt and Battery"- a fish and chips joint I've been meaning to check out. Now I know where it is!
B) If John Leguizamo is really skinny now, I might have seen him too.
C) I went on a date with a nice Irish boy. Shocking, I know.
D) I'm so excited for actual Spring weather this weekend. It's supposed to be nice, so the roommates and I are planning a Memorial Day picnic in a park. Yay for nice weather!
E) I continue to see my dreadlocked crush every day.
F) I've had some auditions, they have gone well, and I have a lesson in 2 weeks with a teacher recommended by Ruth. Too bad it's costing me 160 bones. Oh well- that's shobiz. I also got a Rosenkavalier score and a Little Women score yesterday for a total of $27- together. Holla!


I think that about covers it. I can't believe I've lived here for almost 2 months. Time has really flown. I also can't believe that I'm actually kind of important in my job. I have tasks that are specifically for me, and people depend on me. It's kind of nice.

It's fate

Not only did I sit beside my train crush this AM, but I figured out he takes the N as well as the 1. So he either A) lives in my neighborhood or B) lives in Sunnyside and transfers at Queensborough Plaza. Either way, he lives in Queens, so we are clearly meant to be. So what if he never looks up from his book at me?

Bathroom Behavior

I will never understand how/why womens' restrooms can be complete pig stys. Aren't we supposed to be the cleaner, more nesting of the two sexes? Granted, I don't ever go into mens' rooms (well, not OFTEN anyway), so I can't really say that ladies' rooms are dirtier than mens', but some things never cease to amaze me.
For example: why doesn't everyone flush the toilet? You know what I'm talking about. How can you not clean up after yourself? It would be slightly understandable if a child had used the toilet before the next adult, but there are no children on my floor at work. Secondly, why is there often toilet paper or paper towels strewn across the floor. Did you bite off more than you can chew? In that case, dispose of it! I'd hate to see the bathrooms in the homes of these broads.
Another strange thing about my bathroom at work is the "couch area". There is a small sitting area, immediately to your left upon entering the bathroom. There is one crappy, small college-dorm-lounge-esque couch, and one matching chair. The area is partitioned off by frosted glass. On more than 10 occasions, I've seen women sleeping on the couch. How on EARTH someone could sleep on that thing is beyond me. It's like our couch (well, Robert's couch), but older and less comfortable. Plus, one wouldn't notice a sleeping lady until exiting the bathroom. So, if for whatever reason, your bathroom visit was particularly...noisy...you are none the wiser until on your way out.
Someday, when I own my own home, I will make the bathrooms mini spas. They will be clean, fresh, luxurious. And you better believe that if I ever have a kid, he will know to flush when finished. Hell, I might even teach my dog to flush.

Stolen from Le Rat

I'm 76%...maybe because my rents are PA natives.


1) [x] You refer to Philadelphia as only "Philly."
2) [x] You refer to Pennsylvania as "PA" (pronounced Pee-ay).
3) [x] The first day of buck and the first day of doe season have always been school holidays in your town.
4) [x] You can use the phrase "fire hall wedding reception" and not even bat an eye.
5) [ ] At least 5 people on your block have electric "candles" in all or most of their windows all year long. (Dammit, I only know 3)
6) [ ] You know what a "Hex sign" is.
7) [x] You know what a "State Store" is, and your out of state friends find it incredulous that you can't purchase liquor at the mini-mart.
8) [x] You own only three condiments "salt, pepper and Heinz ketchup."
9) [x] Words like "hoagie", "crick", "chipped ham", "sticky buns", "shoo-fly pie", "pierogies" actually mean something to you.
10) [x] You eat cold pizza (even for breakfast) and know others who do the same? (Those from NY find this "barbaric".)I live in New York and don't find this barbaric at all.
11) [ ] You not only heard of Birch Beer, but know it comes in several colors: Red, White, Brown, Gold.
12) [x] You know several places to purchase or that serve Scrapple, Summer Sausage (Lebanon Bologna), Ring Bologna and Hot Bacon Dressing.
13) [x] You know the difference between a cheese steak & pizza steak sandwich, and know that you can't get a really good one outside PA.
14) [x]You live for summer, when street and county fairs signal the beginning of funnel cake season.
15) [x] You know Blue Ball, Intercourse, Climax, Bird-in-Hand, Beaver, Moon, Virginville, Paradise, Mars, and Slippery Rock are PA towns.
16) [x] You know what a township, borough, and commonwealth is. (At least you vaguely remember.)
17) [x] You identify drivers from New York, New Jersey, or other neighboring states by their unique and irritating driving habits.
18) [x] You know that a traffic jam in Lancaster is ten cars waiting to pass an Amish buggy on the highway.
19) [x] You know several people who have hit deer more than once.
20) [ ] You carry jumper cables in your car.
21) [x] You built snow forts and leaf piles that were taller than you were as a kid.
22) [ ] "Yous guys" is a perfectly acceptable reference to a group of men & women.
24) [x] You know how to pronounce Bryn Mawr, Wilkes-Barre, Schuylkill, Bala Cynwyd, Monongahela, and Susquehanna
25) [x] You actually understand these questions and are you sending them on to other Pennsylvanians.


Count all your X's and multiply by 4. Title this % Pennsylvanian

What DO you know?

I find it terribly frustrating when I ask someone a question, expecting an opinionated response, but instead I hear "I don't know."
How can you not know? Either you like something or you don't. Yes, there is room for discussion so you CAN be neutral, but just say no if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Hmph.

I almost...

...thought chivalry was dead in New York City. In fact, I'm still not totally convinced that it's alive, but I was touched this morning when a 20 something business guy gave up his seat for a little girl and her mom. And he didn't make a face about it, scowl, or act irritated. He just did what was polite.
I cannot say that for probably 98% of the rest of the population. I actually witnessed a woman getting trampled yesterday as she as exiting the subway. That was after I gave up my seat for an older woman, while the girl sitting next to me couldn't be bothered, as she had pushed tooth and nail to sit down. "What is wrong with people?" I mouthed. The woman standing in front of me, who read my mind, just laughed.

Turns out transportation issues don't disappear when you move- they just change.

Gradgeeation

Today is Columbia's graduation. It couldn't be lovelier outside- thank God, since yesterday was a flooded wreck. I think I'll go over and watch all the proud parents. It's always a notsalgic time. I'd like to take this time to congratulate any Peabody grads as well- Eliza, Dan. Well done! Now it's real world time. Welcome.
Working in academia again has made me want to go back to school. But, of course, the amount of debt in which Peabody has left me doesn't leave much room for paying for an education. So, I'm looking into getting a second Masters here at Columbia, in Arts Administration. "But Hilary, that's a commitment!" you might say. I know it is- that's why I'm only THINKING about it, you see. *FYI- I keep making many typing mistakes with this wrist guard, so forgive me if I don't catch something*.
The way I see it, I won't be singing forever. At some point, I will have to retire from the stage- and preferably before any sort of wobble sets in. I'm not sure I'd be entirely comfortable teaching, but I think I am interested in running a joint. The next Bob Sirota? Perhaps. I know the pay is good.
So, that's what I'm considering. Of course, I need to see how auditions will shape up, and if I have any sort of performance schedule. Plus, I've already missed the deadline for beginning in the fall, so I'd have to wait until January. In the mean time, I think I'm going to take a German course starting in September. Mama is ein bischen rusty. (Did I even spell that right?)
In other news, I went to an awesome Bach Cantatas concert last night at St. Thomas. My friend Jesse was one of the men in the men and boys choir, and hooked me up with his comp. It was a real treat- in that gorgeous space, with a period orchestra, and a choir of 40- really great. The soprano soloist was good, but the countertenor was not. I also saw my future husband again this morning. Should I talk to him one of these days?

OK, I'm over this

It appears that I have some sort of carpal tunnel-esque problem. How many hours have I spent in front of the computer? Apparently it's catching up with me.
I don't know what the actual issue is, but yesterday, there was shooting pain between my elbow and wrist, and sometimes in my fingers. I had hoped to wake up refreshed and pain-free, but that was not the case. If anything, it's worse today- with more waves of pain, with aching in between, than shooting. I talked to some co-workers about it, and they said it's most likely due to typing. I have a special wrist rest in front of my keyboard, AND one of those fancy mouse pads. No help.
I've tried pretty much every position (har har)- rearranging my mouse and keyboard, adding more padding. The next step is to hire an assistant to type for me. Jay kay, jay kay. I wish.

In other news, this morning was spent at the Columbia Class Day, where we (my office and alumns) carried class year banners. In the pouring rain. Lots of pouring rain.
I must admit, it was cool to see so many people support graduates- school pride is big with me as you know. Plus, my banner carrying partner was h-o-t-t.

PS- I'm now wearing a wrist guard I bought at Rite Aid, and typing sucks. So I'm ending this now.

Yessssssssssss

I saw my dreadlocked future husband again this morning.

I don't usually...

find white guys with dreads attractive, but I must make an acception for a particular man on the 1 uptown train. This morning is the second time I've seen him, and good NIGHT he is beautiful. I saw him last week, and sat across from him, so while I was reading, I could glance up and not be obvious about checking him out. Today, we were waiting together for the train, and I made sure to sit beside him upon boarding. We're talking Brandon Boyd-esque here, people. OK, so he really doesn't look like Brandon Boyd, except for the dreads when BB had them, but he is very attractive. He was reading Karl Marx, so I THINK he's a student, but maybe not...maybe he's a socialist revolutionary.
Whoever he is, he made my morning.

"They ruin everything"

Dan: How was it? (referring to the Pinback concert from which I had just returned home).
Me: It was good! But, I was a bit disappointed.
Dan: Why?
Me: There were hippies there, Dan. HIPPIES. And they were dancing right in front of me.
Dan: Yeah. They ruin everything.

Now, if you know me, you know that I enjoy a good rock show. I don't like to pay a lot of money to see shows, so I only really go to small(er) clubs. If it's a band I REALLY want to see and haven't, I'll pay over $30. But usually, it's $20 or less for moi.
That being said, I was pretty psyched when I found out Pinback was gonna be playing Iriving Plaza here in NY. I hadn't been to IP yet, so I was excited to check out the venue. Plus, Pinback totally rocks. I met my friend Chris there (he ended up paying twice as much for his scalped ticket- I felt bad, but thems the breaks), and we prepared to be rocked. Now, the last time I saw Pinback was at the Ottobar, which is small in case you don't know. Iriving Plaza is easily 3 times the size of Ottobar. For a mellow, small indie rock band, I would think a smaller venue would be better. Anyway, I digress.

They started to play, and it was good...they played all of my jams, so I was happy. But as I looked around the club, I saw hippies- and a lot of them. Pinback is not a jam band, not influenced by the Dead (at least I don't think so), and does not wear tye dye. (Did I hit all of the sterotypes?) So why so many treehuggers? These "peaceful people" did nothing but smoke joints throughout the entire show and dance HORRIBLY. Next to hardcore kids dancing, hippie trippy dance moves are the worst. Especially at an indie rock show! I tried, I really did, to not be snotty about it, but when the dirt merchant girl beside me hit me for the 10th time with her swirling hand movements, I was fed up.

It's too bad the concert wasn't all I wanted it to be on account of the crowd. Although, Pinback was not as tight last night as they were the last time I saw them. If this singing thing doesn't work out, maybe I'll become a critic. Everyone loves a critic!

U92

One of the things I miss the most about Morgantown is the college radio station, U92. It is the definition of a good college radio station. A great mix of music you forgot you loved, new music you now love, R&B, eletronic music, hippie music, new age; basically everything except for classical. At one point, my friend Paul and I were approached about being hosts for a classica music show, but the time slot clashed with opera rehearsals. Too bad- I would have given just about anything to be a DJ on U92.

Luckily, U92 streams on the internet, so I can listen to it whenever I want. I never listened at my Hopkins job, because I'm sure I would have annoyed my co-workers with whatever the "Alternative" show was playing. But now, having some nice cubicle separators, I can listen to my heart's content. Whatever I have to do to drown out the lite FM station coming from my co-worker. (Love her, but c'mon- lite FM? Methinks no.)

Awesome

It's supposed to rain here every day for the next week.

That's so awesome...I really HATE sunny days and weekends. Horray for shitty weather!

Keep your headphones on

Wow! Right in my work 'hood.

Was that wrong?

What I'm about to say is going to come out sounding awful, I just know it. Yet, I feel as though if you all were here, to understand where I'm coming from, it wouldn't sound bad so much as right on.

Here it is:


I'm getting tired of hearing Spanish.

Stopping to smell the flowers

Today, I spent the afternoon at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and I must say- I don't think there could have been a more beautiful day for flowers. It's spring, so everything is in bloom. The lilac bushes were amazing, the azaleas, tree peonies, and tulips were gorgeous. It is just a wonderful place- and only $3.00 with a student ID (yea- milk that until you look old).
While I really enjoyed my 2.5 hours strolling through the garden, I couldn't help but (sort of) wish I was there on a date. Don't get me wrong- my "me time" is crucial: I need to do things by myself in order to get centered. But as I walked past couples, some married with babies, some new, some old, I got a little bit jealous. At the same time, I felt overwhelmingly calm and peaceful with myself. That's a good thing, no? I take comfort in the fact that I can go pretty much anywhere by myself, and not feel strange. I like to sit in parks and read. I like to go for coffee. I like to do museums, parks, and gardens on my own. So, even though I was imagining what a wonderful date the BBG would be (and who is to say it won't be a future engagement?), I'm glad I was there alone. If you can't be comfortable by yourself, how can you be comfortable with someone else?

Hi..umm..yes..I'm uhm....

I completed my tasks here at work by noon- so what was on the agenda for the remaining 5 hours? Well, my 20-block walking lunch took an hour.(What a gorgeous day). Check. Down to 4 hours...hmm.
I decided to ask a co-worker if she needed help with anything, since she appeared to be swamped. Turns out she did, so now I'm sitting here- googling random private schools across the US, and calling, requesting that an annual report be sent to our executive director here. "What is that for?", you may ask. Well, I hardly know, but it has something to do with checking out the parents of possible future Columbia students, to see what their financial giving history is like. Except when I call, I can't say any of that. I just have to give them my name, and the address where the report should be sent. Shadey.

Surprisingly enough, most of the schools have asked no questions. Are annual reports public knowledge? I guess so; otherwise, I assume they would want all of my information. I feel a bit like a telemarketer, except I'm not asking for any actual money, or selling anything. Besides my soul, of course. That was a prerequsite of moving to New York.

I just need a trim

Having naturally curly hair is a blessing and a curse. People have always told me that they "pay a fortune" to have hair like mine and that I'm "so lucky" that this is natural. It ain't as easy as it appears, folks. True- I don't spend much time doing my hair..in fact, I spend about 2 minutes. I shower at night (to save time in the AM), so in the morning, all I have to do is wet my hair, throw some product up in that joint, style it with my fingers, and I'm good to go. I let it air dry, because blow drying it (again) takes more time, and makes it frizzier. But tight curly hair is actually pretty fine and thin- it appears as though I have enough hair for days, but in reality, I do not. I have to use expensive products, and make sure my hair is trimmed often so it doesn't dry out any faster than it naturally would.
Through the years (and by that, I mean going away to college and moving away from home=finding a new sylist), I have discovered that finding the right stylist for someone with hair like mine is really essential. I can't go to just anyone to cut these locks. If the stylist doesn't have experience in cutting curly hair, it could be bad- very, very, bad. I recall my most horrific hair cut experience from 8th grade, where I looked like a poodle with a bowl cut. Ya. No need to revisit that.
I was lucky enough to find a great stylist in Baltimore- recommended to me because of his coloring abilities and also curly hair experience. Now that I've moved, I have to find someone new. I know it's gonna cost me- this is New York, after all.
So I've been doing some research, and the "Top 5" salons for curly hair charge anywhere between 70-235 for a cut. Obsviously, I won't be with the salon owner: at $235 a pop, he better cut my hair and give birth for me. But I figure I will have to shell out anywhere between $100-130 for a cut, and $85-125 for color. Yikes.
So the next time someone says to me, "Wow! That's natural? You're so lucky!"- I'll have them the bill for my hair. See how natural THAT is.

SWF, 26, Likes Morrissey and Beer

Yeah, it's true.

Rules to live by

We all know that New York is a huge city- lotsa lotsa people, all going in different directions, all at the same time. One really must keep this in mind when walking around midtown (an absolute hellish experience most of the time), and remember- most of these people don't live here. The same, unfortunately, can be said for Central Park. Now, I'm only a recent transplant, so I have no problem with tourists visiting this fair city. It's an amazing place, and why not take advantage of all she has to offer?
But, dear tourists and others alike, let's keep a few things in mind. I'll make a little list- print it out, memorize it, whatever you need to do to abide by these guidelines. I promise, it will make everyone a lot happier.

1.) When walking down the sidewalk, be it in midtown or Brooklyn, TRY not to be more than 3 abreast. If the sidewalk is particularly narrow, keep it to 2. If you roll 4 deep, I'll run into you- hard and on purpose.

2.) Seeing the sites? Not familiar with all the Empire State Building? That's fine. But DO NOT stop in the middle of the sidewalk, and look up, with 500 people behind you. Step to the side, let the traffic pass. The same goes for taking a picture. If you're standing 20 ft. away (as most people are), trying to take a photo, don't act surprised/pissed if your picture looks like shit. Be smart about these things, people.

3.) If you are walking in the running/biking lane in Central Park, DON'T. I cannot tell you how annoying this is to me. There are a million sidewalks and pathways in the park designed for walking and hiking. Use one of those. Otherwise, be prepared for tiremarks and footprints all over your "I Love NY" tee shirt.

4.) Please please please, when exiting the subway, keep walking. Don't slow up as you reach the top of the stairs, and definately don't stop at the top of the stairs. Chances are, there are many people behind you waiting to exit the tube as well- do yourself a favor and keep it movin'. Otherwise, once again, a stampede just might occur.


I think these points are pretty much common sense. You'd be surprised how many people disagree with me. Or, at least, don't practice these friendly pedestrian pointers. So the next time you are in New York, or any other city with mass amounts of people anywhere at any given time, think of me. Pleeeeeeeeease?